LBJ School launches inaugural bipartisan campaign school for women

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Published:
February 26, 2020

New bipartisan program at The University of Texas at Austin trains women to run for office or manage a campaign.

AUSTIN, TEXAS — The LBJ School of Public Affairs has launched the LBJ Women's Campaign School, a new initiative training mid-career professional women how to run for office or manage a political campaign. This multiday program is scheduled for June 9–13, 2020 at The University of Texas at Austin. It will bring together top political experts from across the nation to lead an immersive training program on topics including media relations, public speaking, fundraising and more.

The LBJ School is leading the nation by joining only a handful of bipartisan programs nationwide that offer multiday skills training for women in politics. The launch of this program coincides with the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment and the 50th anniversary of the LBJ School.


"The launch of the LBJ Women's Campaign School during the 50th anniversary year of the School pays tribute to the power of President Johnson's legacy, as well as to the promise of the extraordinary students the School attracts." —Dean Angela Evans

"The creation of the LBJ Women's Campaign School aligns perfectly with President Johnson's vision for our school and my commitment as dean," said LBJ School Dean Angela Evans. "By supporting women in politics we are continuing the work of training leaders and building an American democracy that is more just and more equal. The launch of the LBJ Women's Campaign School during the 50th anniversary year of the School pays tribute to the power of President Johnson's legacy, as well as to the promise of the extraordinary students the School attracts."

Founder and Executive Director Amy Kroll is a second-year LBJ School student. She has paired up with a bipartisan advisory board of elected officials, political operatives, community leaders, fundraisers and former candidates who are using their expertise to help build the curriculum, recruit speakers and promote the program within their community. The advisory board includes:

  • Liz Chadderdon, President, Chadderdon Lestingi Creative Strategies
  • Dr. Erika Gonzalez, Chair, San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and CEO of STAAMP Allergy
  • Jane Macon, Partner, Bracewell, LLC
  • Justice Rebeca Martinez, Justice, Texas Fourth Court of Appeals
  • Dr. Nan McRaven, Trustee, Austin Community College
  • Phil Ritter, COO, Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute
  • Jenifer Sarver, Chair, Women's Public Leadership Network
  • Amy Whited, Regional Director of State Government Relations, UCB and Founder of Pink Granite

"It's time to lift up women in the political arena," said Kroll. "If you are ready to run for office or manage a campaign, the LBJ Women's Campaign School will empower you with the skills, network and resources to win."

This new program is sponsored by the Center for Women in Politics and Public Policy at Texas Woman's University, the Texas Business and Professional Women's Foundation and Women's Public Leadership Network.

Applications are open now and will close on April 6. To apply, visit lbjwcs.lbj.utexas.edu.

 

About the LBJ School of Public Affairs

The LBJ School, one of the nation's top 10 public affairs schools, offers master's degrees in domestic and global affairs, making a difference, not only within the walls of academia, but also in the public and social dialogue of the world. Its effectiveness in channeling the purpose and passion of students into professional careers is evident in the success of more than 4,500 graduates who are the living legacy of President Johnson's bold and fearless action. The school celebrates a half-century of impact in 2020. For more, visit https://lbj.utexas.edu, and find us on social media: @thelbjschool.